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Kazim keen to talk with Gary

Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Kazim Hosein congratulates Challey-Ann Maharaj at the opening ceremony of the Municipal Police Constable Induction Training Programme, held at the Marabella South Secondary School, Gopaul Lands, Marabella, yesterday.
Photo by:KRISTIAN DE SILVA

Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein has expressed faith in newly-appointed Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith, saying his ideas and crime-fighting strategies must be respected and supported.

Speaking at the Municipal Police Induction Training Programme at the Marabella South Secondary School yesterday, Hosein said he had also been meeting with various stakeholders and planned to provide recommendations to Griffith about how municipal police could assist in the crime fight.

He said: “I believe Griffith is the right man for this job. I welcome him to this position and look forward to meeting with him when he assumes office so we can discuss how the Municipal Police Service will deepen its cooperation with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to take a sustained and cohesive stand against crime in this country.”

Hosein told those gathered that law-abiding citizens were now afraid of criminals and an increased police presence in communities would go a long way in making people feel safe.

“I want you to recognise that addressing the crime problem is not just about making arrests. It is about going into communities that have been forgotten for too long and becoming youth mentors, treating the single parents with compassion and approaching elders with respect, empathy and consideration,” he said.

He also urged the officers to stand up to corruption.

“As employees within the municipal corporations, we want you to be beacons of good, to stand up against corruption that prevents people from benefitting from the services of local government. You all will have heard reports in the news about fraudulent activities and impropriety in Sangre Grande, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Chaguanas and San Juan/Laventille. We must take a stand against these activities and we expect that you as new Municipal Police constables will safeguard the public,” he said.

He also warned that misappropriation of public funds at any level prevented development that could benefit the people.

“We cannot fight the scourge of crime with just the TTPS, or just the Municipal Police; it takes all of us standing up for what is right. It takes inter-agency cooperation and intra-community involvement,” he said.

“So I urge you as you begin your training to keep that in mind. Remember that you must work with the community and for the community. Only together can we improve citizen safety and security across this country.”

He also told the recruits that once they became a police officer they would be called upon to do unimaginable feats.

“Though you might never believe so or think of yourselves in such a light, you will be heroes in your own right. This is a noble calling that you have chosen, to become the guardians of our communities and the purveyors of citizen safety.

“Do not approach this undertaking lightly. Serve your community with the pride, humanity and professionalism becoming of an officer of the law,” he added.